09/24/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-10148

ELECTIONS IN MACEDONIA

A little more than a year ago, Macedonia was embroiled in an insurgency launched by violent extremists. Since then, courageous decisions by the country's legitimately elected political leaders have made possible progress on the road to peace and stability.

Macedonia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Ten years later, Albanian extremists battled government forces for seven months. In August 2001, a political accord, the Framework Agreement, was reached. It brought peace on the basis of improved civil rights and representation for minority groups. The rebels laid down their arms and pledged to work for the realization of political goals through the democratic process. Despite some violence, that peace accord has held. New legislation expanding the rights of the Albanian and other minorities has been adopted. As Philip Reeker, deputy spokesman for the U.S. State Department, said, "Macedonia has much to be proud of: its political leaders and citizens made conscious and courageous decisions to reduce tensions, build bridges between ethnic communities, and reinforce the legal framework for the advancement of civil society in Macedonia."

Now Macedonia has another reason to be proud. The country recently held its first parliamentary elections since last year’s insurgency. International monitors called the elections free and fair, with virtually no violence and the highest turnout in a decade. The outgoing prime minister, conceding defeat, called it "the most democratic election in the history of Macedonia" and pledged his party's constructive opposition in the new parliament.

The United States congratulates Macedonia on the successful conduct of the parliamentary elections. As the citizens of Macedonia themselves know, elections are not the end, but the beginning. Much work lies ahead to complete implementation of the Framework Agreement and make further reforms on the path to full integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions.

Democracy cannot cure all ills. But through peaceful, fair, democratic elections, people are given a voice in their government. Through their representatives, they have the best possibility of working out their differences in peace to the benefit of all. On September 15^th, the citizens of Macedonia cast their votes for peace, democracy and prosperity against extremism. They took a large step toward making this vision for their country a reality.